Housing Methods

 

Loose Housing It is a system of housing in which animals are kept loose in an open paddock throughout the day and night except at the time of milking and treatment. In this system, shelter is provided along one side of open paddock under which animals can retire when it is very hot or cold or during rains. Common feed manger and water tank is provided and concentrates are fed at the milking time which is done in a separate milking barn or parlour in which cows are secured at milking time and are milked. The open paddock is enclosed by means of half walls or plain wire fences of convenient height.

Advantages

• Cost of construction is cheaper.
• Future expansion is possible.
• The animals will move freely so that it will get sufficient exercise.
• The animal can be kept clean.
• Common feeding and watering arrangement is possible.
• Clean milk production is possible because the animals are milked in a separate milking barn.
• Oestrus detection is easy.
• At least 10-15 percent more stock than standard can be accommodated for shorter period.

Disadvantages

• It is not suitable for temperate Himalayan region and heavy rainfall areas.
• It requires more floor space.
• There is competition for feed.
• Attention of individual animal is not possible.
• A separate milking barn is needed for milking of animals.

Conventional Barns or Stanchion Barns In this system of housing, the animals are confined together on a platform and secured at neck by stanchions or neck chain. The animals are fed as wells as milked in the same barn. These barns are completely covered with roofs and the sidewalls are closed with windows or ventilator located at suitable places to get more ventilation and lighting. It is applicable for temperate and heavy rainfall region. The same type of housing can be utilized for tropical region with slight modification.

Advantages

• The animals and men caring for animals are less exposed to harsh environment.
• The animals can be kept clean.
• Diseases are better controlled.
• Individual care can be given.
• Separate milking barn is not required.

Disadvantages

• Cost of construction is more.
• Future expansion is difficult.
• Not suitable for hot and humid climatic conditions